Movie Review: Peace, Love, & Misunderstanding (2011)

"Peace, Love, & Misunderstanding" is a comedy-drama with a simple story but a big cast.  Diane (Catherine Keener) is a high-powered lawyer blind-sided when her husband (Kyle MacLachlan) asks for a divorce.  Diane flees to her estranged hippie mother Grace (Jane Fonda) and drags her kids Zoe (Elizabeth Olsen) and Jake (Nat Wolff) with her.  The family is overwhelmed with the hippie/free-spirit lifestyle that Grace and her friends are part of but soon each find love (Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Chace Crawford) and maybe what they're missing.

I admit that overall the script here is filled with stereotypes and predictability, but the cast really took the material and made the most of it.  Jane Fonda, for example, seemed to have fun with her over-the-top hippie role as Grace and I thought she had nice chemistry with Catherine Keener in their mother-daughter roles.  Elizabeth Olsen and Nat Wolff also have good performances too and I was surprised to find I liked the Olsen/Crawford romantic pairing. Watch for small appearances by Rosanna Arquette and Katharine McPhee.  The themes here are trite and a bit tired ("leave the big town to find love in the small town" and "find love where you least expect it") I thought the theme about accepting failed parents as people to actually be effective and moving.

Don't expect a lot new here but enjoy the cast and performances - B

Movie Review: The Intouchables (2011)

France's "The Intouchables" is based on a true story and the story is told in flashback.  Driss is down on his luck and not seriously looking to get the job when he applies to be a live-in caregiver for Philippe, a wealthy quadriplegic.  Driss is shocked to be given a trial for the job but quickly earns Philippe's trust even when a friend reveals Driss' checkered past.  Philippe appreciates that Driss doesn't treat him with pity but rather as an equal.  The two develop a special friendship that is sure to inspire.

While it is a bit predictable, I felt that the cast sold this story and made it into something beyond what it might have been.  There have been other films made over the years about friendship, even between caretaker/patient, but there's a chemistry among the actors and a script that manages to be both touching and funny at points.  This is a case where script, acting, direction, and cinematography seem to be on point and come together to create a film that is a really good product. 

Good, touching, and heart-warming: A-

Movie Review: First Position (2011)

"First Position" is a documentary following six young dancers preparing for the Youth America Grand Prix in New York, which is an annual dance competition showcasing elite young dancers.  Dancers compete for scholarships to dance schools or contracts with dance companies depending on the dancer's age. 

I feel that this film does what a great documentary should do - draw the viewer into a world he/she is not a part of and make that viewer care about the subjects.  "First Position" does just that by bringing the viewer into the world of the six young dancers, all of whom are under 19 years old.  The level of talent among the film's subjects is just amazing but more than their obvious talent the film also delves into their personal commitment to dance and especially in the case of the youngest ones their families' commitment too.  Beautifully done this film dazzles with top-notch dance but shows the kids behind the talent too.

Anyone who loves dance should run out to rent this one but also consider if you like a well-done documentary - solid A

Movie Review: Burning Man (2011)

"Burning Man" is an Australian film about a chef named Tom (Matthew Goode) who is burning with anger and pain almost literally.  His emotions get the better of him in many situations including ones at work and with family and friends.  The storyline is presented with scenes completely out of order so the audience sees many of Tom's struggles and blow-ups before having enough information to piece together the source of the character's pain.

This film has some beautiful moments and I liked the artistic choice of telling the story out of order.  Goode does his best with the material while Bojana Novakovic did a beautiful job in her supporting role as well.  The film is bogged down by all the sex and language in it but more than that it's an issue with the development of the main character.  Even once I figured out the real story, I still had trouble with "Tom" because he's written so over the top that it's difficult to feel the level of empathy that I feel I should have. 

This one could've been better though it does have some bright spots - C-

Movie Review: Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey (2011)

"Being Elmo" is a documentary about the early years and rise to fame of puppeteer Kevin Clash, who is most famous for voicing and creating Elmo on Sesame Street.  The film follows a young Clash as he practices creating and making his first puppets and then becomes inspired by the work of Jim Hensen and Frank Oz.  Later Clash meets Hensen and Oz, who recognize his talent and mentor him. Clash flourishes into a successful puppeteer and seeks to carry on the Hensen tradition of puppeteering and to mentor the next generation.

This film is really a good background piece on Clash's early life and how he became the man behind Elmo, a much beloved character.  Not knowing anything about puppeteering, this film is interesting as kind of a behind the scenes look at what goes into making puppets, creating characters, and performing with puppets.  Overall it's a well-done piece though the more recent allegations about Clash regarding sexual misconduct with minors put a bit of a damper on my enjoyment.  Though I want to judge this film as a stand-alone piece, there is the obvious question about where these allegations fit into Clash's story.  The film does not touch much on Clash's personal life other than his relationship with his daughter from his previous marriage. 

Aside from the misconduct allegations, this film is a winner.  It's enjoyable and shows that behind the scenes information in an engaging format.  For the film alone, I give it A- but I understand why some will be put off from the film based on the serious nature of the allegations against Clash. 

Movie Review: Bully (2011)

"Bully" (2011) is a documentary follows three US public school students who are bullied daily and also two families who lost sons to suicide after enduring bullying.  Filmed during the 2009-10 school year, the audience sees the students enduring bullying and talking about how bullying effects their lives. 

While difficult to watch, this movie is a must-see.  The film lays bare what way too many students endure on a daily basis in American schools: bullies.  While bullying is not a new concept, I've never seen it depicted in such a raw fashion, for example, when the cameras follow a then 12 year-old Alex on the school bus where he is treated as a human punching bag by the kids he desperately wants to be accepted by.  In fact, the violence against Alex reaches a level where the filmmakers feel they must show the evidence to school administrators and Alex's parents.  The interviews with the families of the deceased students who were victims of bullying are just heartrenching - there's no other way to describe it.  Luckily there is some hope in the form of activism by these families, which is picked up by other students including some bullied themselves. 

While tough to watch, please watch this film!  A- for me for tackling a very difficult subject and hopefully influencing much-needed dialogue about bullying

Movie Review: Salmon Fishing in Yemen (2011)

Billed as a "romantic comedy" but really I think is more of a "romantic drama," "Salmon Fishing" is a beautiful little film that has romance but also faith and friendship.  The story opens with Harriet (Emily Blunt) contacting a government fisheries expert Fred (Ewan McGregor) to enlist his help with a project one of her clients wishes to undertake - he is a wealthy Yemeni sheik and wishes to bring his beloved salmon fishing to his homeland.   Fred is immediately dissmissive of the project but is forced to participate when the Prime Minister's press secretary Patricia (Kristin Scott-Thomas) wants to promote the project as a feel-good Anglo-Yemeni photo op.  Fred meets with the sheik and gradually becomes a believer in the project.  Meanwhile, as they become friends both Harriet and Fred have relationship issues - Fred realizes that he is not happy with his career-driven wife and Harriet's new soldier boyfriend is deployed and goes missing in action.

I felt this film was much more than what I expected.  It's really not a "romantic comedy" and actually "comedy" doesn't fit so much.  I'd say "drama" fits better and though there is romance it's more of a friendship romance than a red-hot love affair.  The acting is spot-on with McGregor expertly portraying Fred's bookish resistance and even his touch of Asperger's syndrome, which causes his character to have trouble relating to others.  Blunt is good but the real scene-stealer is Scott-Thomas, who shines in her small role and provides some laughs.  While the storyline is a bit predictable, there's quality here and a good bit of depth for the characters.  I loved the theme of what is faith and how do we have it even when we don't think we do.  Also I really liked the scenery as the film is beautifully shot in Scotland and Morocco. 

Pass on this one if you're looking for a romantic comedy because that's just not what this film is.  Rent this one if you are looking for drama with some heart and depth.  B-

Movie Review: Hysteria (2011)

"Hysteria" is a period film set in the 19th century when women would be diagnosed as "hysterical" for a list of issues including sleeplessness, nervousness, depression, cramps, exhaustion, and so on.  A young doctor Mortimer Granville (Hugh Dancy) joins the established practice of Dr. Robert Dalrymple (Jonathon Price), which treats hysterical women in an, ahem, interesting way (called "pelvic massage)."  Mortimer soon meets the elder doctor's two very different daughters: the proper and dutiful Emily (Felicity Jones) and the outspoken feminist Charlotte (Maggie Gyllenhaal).  A new treatment for hysteria is invented when Mortimer and his friend Lord Edmund St. John-Smythe (Rupert Everett) find a new use for an electrical feather duster.  What we know as a vibrator is born and hysteria as a diagnosis falls out of fashion.

Though it's a bit predictable, this film is enjoyable and shows some heart.  Gyllenhaal is perfect for this part as the fiery Charlotte.  Though she can be a bit shrill at times I think Gyllenhaal was the right choice for this role.  Everett is a treat in his small role as well.  I really liked the theme developed within the film juxtaposing hysteria and feminism, which we see in the storyline for Charlotte.  Quality acting in this one with some laughs mixed in.  Be sure to watch the scenes played through the credits! 

Solid B for me for good story and acting

Movie Review: Damsels in Distress (2011)

Two words I'd choose to describe "Damsels in Distress" are "quirky" and "different."  This film is definitely not for everyone because it's off-beat for sure.  The film is directed by Whit Stillman and though I'm not familiar with his other work, apparently off-beat is his style.  The film centers on a liberal arts college where a clique of girls attempt to better their campus with some seemingly different tactics.  The group is led by Violet (Greta Gerwig) and her side-kicks are Rose (Megalyn Echikunwoke) and Heather (Carrie MacLemore).  The girls recruit transfer student Lily (Analeigh Tipton) based on her name but she proves to be a voice that questions the group's shared beliefs.  The group attempts to stop students from committing suicide with doughnuts, coffee, dance, and aromatherapy.  Problems arise for the group members themselves testing their sanity when they branch out to date some of the male students including a smooth-talking Adrian Brody as Charlie. 

The comedy in this movie is not of the obvious variety but it's there in the whole premise.  The girls seem to live in a bubble or fantasy of their own making, which creates humorous situations.  I really liked Gerwig in this movie as she's carrying most of the humor.  It's interesting but not a real plot so I can see where this film would get tedious and maybe frustrating for some viewers.  I'd recommend this one to someone who likes Wes Anderson's films or in the mood for high-brow humor.  Solid B for me because I like different and bought into the fantasy.

Movie Review: Bernie (2011)

"Bernie" is a dark comedy based on real-life events centering on convicted killer Bernie Tiede, who killed a wealthy widow he had befriended.  Bernie (played by Jack Black) is so beloved by the people in his small Texas town that when very much not-so-loved Marjorie Nugent (Shirley MacLaine) is found dead the town rushes to Bernie's side.  Not on Bernie's side is the local District Attorney running for re-election, Danny Buck (played by Matthew McConaughey), who moves the trial in order to ensure that the prosecution has a fair trial after hearing from countless residents that they support Bernie.

I know that this film is based on a true story and murder of an innocent person is NOT funny, however this film is a gem.  I loved the casting and though I've never been a Jack Black fan I think he is brilliant as the affable Bernie - the man who is beloved by all particularly the widows he comforts in his role as assistant mortician.  Shirley MacLaine is great in her role as the opposite of Bernie.  Her Marjorie is insufferable and pushes Bernie to his breaking point with her neediness and desire to control him.  One of the best points though is the interviews with the town's residents who give the audience the inside scoop on the story and add levity.  Matthew McConaughey is funny as the DA who is the only person in town wanting Bernie to pay for his crime. 

The casting in this film is just so spot on and though it's not laugh-out-loud funny this film is a good time.  Very different turn for Jack Black and though he's great it's not his usual fare so beware if you love him from previous films.  B+.

Movie Review: Silent House (2011)

"Silent House" is a more psychological than slasher-type horror film set in an old lake house when Sarah (Elizabeth Olsen) and her uncle and father, who are fixing up the house to sell it, are stalked through the house by an unseen perpetrator. 

The film is shot in one-take format which creates kind of a "Blair Witch Project" type of experience.  The audience can't see the stalker but rather sees Sarah's reactions as the camera is close on her face.  This adds to the terror in some scenes for sure.  I liked Olsen a lot in this movie because she really used the cinematography to her advantage by showing a lot of emotion through her face and body so the audience can feel the terror that we can't see. 

I think the script does have some weaknesses to it because there's a hidden story happening that the audience really has to wait until the end to figure out through several twists.  Thus, there's something more happening than appears but you've got to ride the film out to get there.  While watching it I felt like giving up on it but after finishing the film I was able to look back and make more sense out of several scenes and scenarios.  Knowing the twists makes the film better but you have to watch to get there.  The ending itself is not completely satisfying, which is the case with other films Olsen has done.

I liked this movie but it requires an investment - watch the whole way through to really get it.  C+

Movie Review: Margaret (2011)

Originally slated to be released in 2007, "Margaret" was deemed "too long" by studio execs and the final cut was delayed by lawsuits.  I watched the version cut down to 2 1/2 hours so that may make a difference when other viewers read this review and possibly watch the film. 

The film is a character study of Lisa (a young and dark-haired Anna Paquin), who is a 17 year-old New York high school student whose selfish and immature existence is drastically changed when she distracts a city bus driver (Mark Ruffalo) who then runs over a lady crossing the street.  The lady dies in Lisa's arms but Lisa tells the police that the light was green shifting blame from the driver and herself to the victim.  Dealing with the tragedy and her role in it proves very difficult for Lisa as she takes out her inner turmoil on others around her including her mother, brother, and friends.  Later Lisa seeks out the family and friends of the accident victim and attempts to make amends mainly through seeking punishment of the driver.

I didn't know much about Anna Paquin before this film but I think her very emotional performance was impressive.  I also liked Matt Damon and Matthew Broderick in small roles as Lisa's teachers, particulalry Damon as her very likeable math teacher.  Kieran Culkin did a good job as one of Lisa's classmates/love interest.  The real meat of the film appears during scenes between Lisa and her stage actress mother (J. Smith-Cameron).  Even with the edits this film is still a bit long and the flow just doesn't feel right throughout.  Perhaps the editing to a prescribed 150 minutes made a real difference in the flow.  Though the film firmly centers on Lisa (rightfully so) I think there are several characters who don't get much development and that might have made them feel less one-dimensional.  This one's not for everyone but I think a B- for solid acting on Paquin's part and an interesting yet long drama.

Movie Review: Project Nim (2011)

"Project Nim" is a documentary about a chimp taken from his mother just days after birth and used for a now famous research study to see if a chimp living with humans could learn sign language and communicate in sentences.  The chimp, "Nim" did learn sign language and put together sentences, though at first the lead researcher concluded he was communicating but later retracted.  During the study, Nim lived with and was taught by the researcher and a group of students but when the researcher decided to wrap the study Nim was suddenly thrust from his life of living as a human and dropped into a habitat for other chimps.  Having not been around other chimps, Nim had trouble adapting but formed a bond with a young man who would later champion better treatment for Nim.  From that point Nim's life took a bad turn as he was sold to a research group doing medical experiments on chimps but eventually he landed at an animal refuge but he didn't always thrive there.

This movie is really well-done.  Thanks to all the archival footage of Nim's life, much of it from his time in the sign language research study, there is a clear picture painted with interviews by principle players interwoven.  Clear ethical issues emerge throughout the film.  First, the research study seems to have been run by a faculty member and his gang of students, many of whom were his lovers, which begs the question of how "scientific" was this study to begin with.  Second, there's clearly the issue of taking a chimp and raising it to be human when Nim was clearly a wild animal.  Following raising Nim as a human and not allowing him to be an animal then as soon as the research was done this poor animal was dumped at a chimp facility where he was expected to be a chimp.  Clearly the medical research done on Nim and his fellow chimps also raises issues on animal research.  It's a little hard to watch at times, but this film is really captivating and  raises important issues about animals and research.  Give this one a chance - B+.

Movie Review: Too Big to Fail (2011)

"Too Big to Fail" is the film adaptation of the book with the same name by Andrew Sorkin.  As I haven't read the book, I can only evaluate the film as it stands alone.  The film focuses on Secretary of Treasury Henry Paulson (William Hurt) and his team as they attempt to navigate the 2008 US financial meltdown.  As more of the major banks' problems come to light, Paulson and his team try to rally and find a solution leading to TARP (Troubled Assets Recovery Program).

It's an entertaining and dramatic look at the financial meltdown through the lens of Henry Paulson and his team.  I thought the relationships and the team working among the banks was interesting.  Though this film doesn't cover all angles (it's not a documentary), there's food for thought and it's interesting.  The cast is very good with Ed Asner, Billy Crudup, Paul Giamatti, Cynthia Nixon, and James Woods among others.  I say take this one as entertainment not as fact and enjoy it as a dramatization of the 2008 meltdown.  It's a solid C+ for me - good not great.

Movie Review: Friends with Kids (2011)

"Friends with Kids" is a take on the old rom-com standard of "can men & women be friends" but in this case add a baby.  Julie (Jennifer Westfeldt) and Jason (Adam Scott) are great friends but are not interested in dating each other.  They are friends with two couples Leslie (Maya Rudolph) and Alex (Chris O'Dowd) and Ben (Jon Hamm) and Missy (Kristen Wiig) and once these couples start families Julie and Jason notice how their friends' marriages change.  So they decide to have a baby together while continuing to date so that they can have the baby and still have romance in their lives.  Their friends watch on with great interest at this "experiment."  Things seem to go well as Julie gives birth to a son and she and Jason settle into a 50/50 role of co-parenting while still looking for love however the arrangement is tested when they both meet others (Megan Fox, Edward Burns) and of course deal with their feelings for each other.

I think that while this film has a predictable sense to it there's still some good to it.  The casting other than Megan Fox is solid.  The actors really gel together so the viewer feels that they really are out at dinner with this group of friends.  I think there is a commitment to character development and exploring more of the darker emotions than the typical rom-com film, which adds to this movie.  I think that despite the reunion of many of the "Bridesmaid" cast that this film is not the raunchy comedy that film was - there's just enough language and explicit talk to get the "R" rating but otherwise it's not that "adult."  It's notable that Westfeldt directed, starred, wrote, and co-produced (with partner Hamm).

The reviews I've seen on this film are mixed and I think there's a good reason for it - great cast, some good development of character/emotions, but it's just kind of a tired premise that I feel so many rom-com films have done before.  Solid B.

Movie Review: Newlyweds (2011)

"Newlyweds" follows a newlywed pair Buzzy (Edward Burns) and Katie (Caitlin Fitzgerald) who are both on their second marriage and think they have found the key to a successful marriage: she works nights and he works days so they will enjoy their limited time together.  It sounds like a good plan until they are tested by the host of crazy friends and family around them.  First there's Katie's ex husband Dara (Dara Coleman) who constantly comes around asking for money.  Then there's Buzzy's flakey half-sister Linda (Kerry Bishe) who unexpectedly shows up to stay with the couple while she pursues her ex-boyfriend Miles (Johnny Solo).  Meanwhile Katie's sister Marsha (Masha Dietlein) and her husband of eighteen years Max (Max Baker) are quickly unraveling as a couple. 

I really liked this film because it's a smart, simple movie that asks what makes a successful marriage.  I thought the acting was great especially Bishe and I loved the direction (Edward Burns wrote, directed, & starred).  The actors do "confessional" interviews in character that explain background and motivation throughout the story.  It gives the film almost a documentary feel.  I've heard that this film was shot in Tribecca over 12 days with a budget of just $9,000 and I have to say that it's a fabulous product for that small investment.  Apparently the actors wore their own clothes and did their own hair and makeup too.  I think this is a good example of just plain old good storytelling and acting without all the frills, bells, and whistles. 

Note: This film is not rated but I'd say be cautious of the language and sexual references if thinking of letting a teen watch this.

Great film and I recommend it - A-

Movie Review: Bullhead (2011)

"Bullhead" is a Belgian film about a cattle farmer named Jacky (Matthias Schoenaerts) who has been brought into a deal with a shady beef dealer along with others but he is almost immediately suspicious of the other players.  Though his involvement with the beef dealer is minimal, the death of a police officer investigating hormone-fed beef starts wheels in motion that threatens Jacky and brings someone from his past into his present.  Through flashbacks the audience sees a horrific incident in Jacky's past that led him to inject not only his cattle but also himself with hormones.

This movie is gritty and raw with a bit of violence as we see Jacky behave like an animal himself in several situations.  Schoenaerts is great in the lead role making Jacky sympathetic even when he's behaving erratically.  This movie really had an interesting story, good acting, good direction and cinematography.  My only complaint is that some of the flashbacks felt a little awkward and jerky and it's a tad long but otherwise this film is really solid.  I give this a B+ and hope that people will overlook the subtitles and give this film a chance.

Movie Review: Machine Gun Preacher (2011)

"Machine Gun Preacher" is an action/drama biopic telling the story of Sam Childers (played by Gerard Butler).  Sam gets out of prison to find that his wife Lynn (Michelle Monaghan) has "found Jesus" while he goes back to his wild ways.  A harrowing experience gets Sam to attend church with his wife and daughter and he is converted.  As Sam begins a successful contracting business he hears a missionary speak about his work in Uganda.  Sam decides to go to Uganda and work on a mission project but while there he visits the war zone in southern Sudan and is shocked at the need there particularly the orphaned children.  Back at home Sam and his family build and start a new church and then build an orphanage in Sudan.  As Sam builds and supports the orphanage he faces struggles both external and internal.

This is a film that hasn't gotten as much buzz as a typical Gerard Butler film.  I think that this film is average but not great and Butler does his best with the script.  He is especially believable during the first portion of the film when Sam is first out of prison and back to his wild ways.  I felt that at times the script got a bit long and tired.  The direction at times was a bit awkward as well.  It's a gritty film and there is a good bit of violence - Sam's wild ways plus the violence against children in many cases in Sudan. 

There is some controversy surrounding this film due to the connection to the "Kony2012" movement.  Sam Childers works with the Sudan People's Liberation Army to protect and save children from Joseph Kony's Lord's Resistance Army.  Personally I didn't find the film to be a full-fledged propaganda film for "Kony2012."  In fact I thought it was interesting that the female doctor in the film challenges Sam several times about his intentions and methods, specifically using violence, and even compares him to Kony.

This film was okay but not great for me.  I thought at times Butler was really good but at times the film really lagged and the violence got tough to watch.  C+.

Movie Review: New Year's Eve (2011)

"New Year's Eve" is the sequel to 2010's "Valentine's Day" and has the same formula: a series of some unconnected and some connected stories set on New Year's Eve in New York City starring a large ensemble cast.  Claire (Hillary Swank) is in charge of the ball drop in Times Square with the help of friend Brandon (Ludacris).  Claire has hired singer Danny Jensen (Jon Bon Jovi) to sing for the crowd but he is also playing a private party where he hopes to reunite with former flame Laura (Katherine Heigl).  Laura is working the party with her catering company including Ava (Sofia Vergara).  Elise (Lea Michele), who is to be one of Jensen's backup singers, gets stuck in an elevator with Randy (Ashton Kutcher), her neighbor who is not into celebrating the holiday.  Randy's roommate, Paul (Zac Effron) is delivering packages when he makes a delivery to the record company holding the big party.  Secretary Ingrid (Michelle Pfeiffer) quits her job and hires Paul to take her around the city checking off items from her New Year's resolution list.  Meanwhile Paul's sister Kim (Sarah Jessica Parker) is having trouble with her teen daughter Hailey (Abigail Breslin) who wants to go to Times Square with a boy instead of staying home with mom.  In a nearby hospital,  Stan (Robert Di Niro) is dying of cancer and being tended to by nurse Amy (Halle Berry), Mindy (Alyssa Milano), and his doctor (Cary Elwes).   Also in the hospital, Griffen (Seth Myers) and Tess (Jessica Biel) are about to have their first baby, which they hope will be the first baby of the new year.  Meanwhile, Sam (Josh Duhamel), an executive in the record company, is trying to get to the party but also hopes to meet up with a mystery lady he met last year on New Year's Eve.

Whew!  That's a lot of characters and story lines but some of them intertwine later and provide a few twists.  Though I have noticed that many reviewers didn't like this film, I did like it and I think it's because I take it for what it is - a frothy, escape with a lot of stars and romance.  There are some bright spots in the film but the problem is that with so much going on it's hard to focus on some of the high points.  I liked Michelle Pfeiffer, who sparkles in her role and has chemistry with Zac Effron.  Their storyline was one of the best.  Hillary Swank was also noticeably good and I think Katherine Heigl, Robert Di Niro, and Halle Berry added to the film.  The problem is that it's just a lot of stars and stories and at times the film is kind of clunky.

I think the bottom line here is that for someone looking for a light, romantic comedy with a lot of stars or someone who liked "Valentine's Day" then this film is for you.  Solid C for me.

Movie Review: Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)

Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey, Jr.) and Watson (Jude Law) are back in "A Game of Shadows" - the sequal to the 2009 film also directed by Guy Ritchie.  This time Watson is trying to married while Holmes suspects that seemingly unrelated recent bombings, murders, and business acquisitions are actually part of a broader scheme of nemisis Dr. Moriarty.  The ensuing chess game between Holmes and Moriarty creates a race against time through Europe with a potential world war on the line.  A gypsy fortune-teller Simza (Noomi Rapace), who is searching for her lost brother, joins the guys as her search and theirs intertwine.

I thought that this film over the previous Holmes film showcased more of the buddy chemistry between Downey and Law.  The sparring between the two is great.  Also I love the Holmes role for Downey because he fits it like a glove transitioning between Holmes' quirky behavior and brilliant detective work (including some amazing disguises).  I also liked Rapace, famous for the Swedish "Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" films, as the guys' female companion.  She is one to watch.  I liked the story also but my problem was with the direction.  Too many slow-motion fight/deduction sequences.  It seems a bit over-styled at times.  Otherwise, it's a good time with a good mystery with two good pals.  I give it a B+.  If you liked the 2009 film then be sure and watch this one as it's better.